A Finnish court has ordered the detention of separatist leader Simon Ekpa over allegations of promoting terrorist content on social media.
The Päijät-Häme district court’s decision follows Ekpa’s recent arrest by Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), alongside four others suspected of terrorist-related crimes.
Ekpa, who calls himself the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, allegedly carried out the offence in Lahti, Finland, in 2021.
According to the BBC, the court ruled to remand him for “disseminating terrorist propaganda” online.
The Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests in a statement on Thursday, noting that the primary suspect faced charges of “public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.”
Four others were detained on allegations of financing the activities, with all five being taken into custody earlier in the week.
The police highlighted that the investigation involved international cooperation, with charges set to be reviewed by the Päijät-Häme district court on November 21.
Ekpa has faced widespread criticism for his alleged role in the “Sit-At-Home” protests, which have severely impacted economic activities in southeastern Nigeria.
He is also accused of directing followers to attack security personnel, leading to fatalities among both officers and civilians at various checkpoints in the region.